Car Insurance in New Mexico

  • GEICO offers the cheapest liability and full coverage auto insurance for most drivers in NM
  • Compare the cheapest car insurance quotes in NM from Progressive, Allstate, Liberty Mutual and Nationwide (+ other top companies)
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About The Zebra's recommendations

The Zebra’s product features real quotes from some of the companies we review. However, our content and reviews are unbiased and never commissioned-based.

Reference our editorial standards or learn more about how we make money.

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Beth Swanson

SEO Content Strategist

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. She is a licensed insurance agent whose goal is to make insurance content easy to r…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
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Mark Friedlander

Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute

Mark Friedlander has over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. He is the Director, Corporate Communications, at the Insurance Informatio…

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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Car insurance quotes in New Mexico

The average cost of full coverage car insurance in New Mexico is $1,015 for a six-month policy, which is 7% cheaper than compared to the national average.[1] For those looking to save, USAA offers the lowest rates for both liability and full coverage—but keep in mind it's only available to military members and their families. But for most drivers, GEICO is the best bet for affordable coverage.

While 37% of New Mexico residents feel they’re overpaying for their car insurance, many are willing to spend a bit extra for top-notch customer service and comprehensive coverage.[2] We suggest starting with State Farm or Allstate if that sounds like you.

For a solid balance of value, price, and customer care, GEICO and USAA (if you qualify) are both excellent choices. It’s also worth reviewing your policy every year—many insurers offer discounts for bundling, maintaining a good driving record, or even having certain safety features in your car. Taking advantage of these opportunities can help you save more without sacrificing coverage. Keep reading to learn more about car insurance options in New Mexico.

Cheapest full coverage in NM
Cheapest full coverage in NM
Cheapest liability coverage in NM
Cheapest liability coverage in NM
Best customer service in NM
Best customer service in NM
The Zebra's Recommendation for best car insurer - State Farm
Best car insurance in NM — overall

Full coverage car insurance in NM

In 2025, the average cost of a full coverage car insurance policy in New Mexico is $1,015 for a six-month term. Full coverage remains a popular choice, with 55% of The Zebra’s New Mexican customers opting for this more comprehensive protection.[2]

While full coverage may not always be as affordable as drivers would like, those seeking the best rates should consider starting their search with quotes from GEICO or USAA, both of which consistently offer competitive pricing.

Full coverage quotes in NM

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $618 $103
GEICO $721 $120
Progressive $955 $159
State Farm $1,116 $186
Nationwide $1,168 $195
Farmers $1,279 $213
Allstate $1,605 $267

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


Zebra Tip: Look for these discount options

  • Payment methods: Advance purchase, electronic bill pay, pay-in-full
  • Driver discounts: Bundling (multi-policy), multi-car, good driver, good student, homeowner, military
  • Vehicle discounts: New vehicles, safety devices (consider telematics), anti-theft devices

Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in New Mexico.

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Cheap liability insurance in New Mexico

The average cost for a six-month liability insurance policy in New Mexico is $271.[1] For affordable options, USAA and GEICO consistently offer some of the cheapest rates for liability coverage in the state based on our user profile.

While liability insurance is notably more budget-friendly than full coverage, it's important to remember that the protection it offers is more limited. The table below outlines monthly and six-month liability insurance quotes from New Mexico's top providers, helping you compare your options.

Cheapest auto insurance companies in New Mexico for minimum coverage

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $148 $25
GEICO $223 $37
Progressive $244 $41
State Farm $301 $50
Nationwide $397 $66
Allstate $436 $73
Farmers $452 $75

Source: The Zebra

Our data indicates that 45% of New Mexico drivers opt for liability-only coverage for their vehicles. New Mexico mandates minimum liability limits of 25/50/10, which means $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage per accident. In addition to state minimum requirements, many New Mexico drivers consider optional coverage like uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. Refer to the detailed guidelines for a more comprehensive explanation of New Mexico's car insurance limits and regulations.

Beth Swanson
Is liability coverage enough for drivers in New Mexico?

New Mexico's minimum liability limits are similar to those in other states, but they may not be enough to fully cover a serious accident, especially if multiple vehicles are involved. If your car is worth more than $4,000, it’s usually a good idea to have full coverage so you can handle any damage to your own vehicle—liability only covers the other party’s vehicle and injuries.

If you decide to stick with just the state minimum, consider adding uninsured motorist coverage (UMBI and UMPD). This can help protect you in case you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver, which is a real concern in cities like Albuquerque, where the number of uninsured drivers tends to be higher. You don't want to face huge out-of-pocket costs due to lack of coverage.

Beth Swanson, content specialist at The Zebra

Cheapest Liability & Full Coverage Quotes in New Mexico

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Company Liability Coverage Full Coverage
USAA $136 $629
State Farm $166 $701
GEICO $196 $731
Nationwide $212 $733
Allstate $290 $1,486
Progressive $330 $1,141
Farmers $355 $966

Source: The Zebra


What are the best car insurance companies in New Mexico?

We’ve ranked State Farm as the top car insurance company in New Mexico based on consumer feedback, third-party ratings from sources like J.D. Power, Trustpilot, and AM Best, as well as factors like discounts and coverage options.[4]

While USAA offers outstanding customer service and some of the lowest rates in New Mexico, its availability is restricted to military members. As a result, State Farm stands out as our top pick for most drivers. Below, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of State Farm, along with other highly-rated insurance providers in New Mexico. These companies each have strengths depending on your needs, so comparing quotes and coverage is a good idea to find the best fit for your specific situation in New Mexico. Remember that just because a certain company is cheap, doesn't mean it's the best fit for you.

state farm
Overall best car insurance company in New Mexico — State Farm

State Farm offers a good balance of customer service and coverage options. It is ideal for those looking for solid customer support and customizable policies. State Farm also offers a wide range of discounts, including for good drivers and bundling policies.[3]

Pros
  • Available nationwide

  • Local agents

  • Highly ranked for customer service

  • Variety of products and services

Cons
  • Fewer rural offices

  • Home insurance may be more expensive

Best car insurance in New Mexico — honorable mentions

To determine the best companies, we compared J.D. Power Auto ratings and consumer reviews collected from nearly 3,000 drivers across New Mexico and the US.

Best car insurance companies in New Mexico

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $618 $103
GEICO $721 $120
Allstate $1,605 $267

Source: The Zebra


Car insurance in popular New Mexico cities

Where you live in New Mexico plays a major role in determining your car insurance costs. In larger cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe, higher traffic and more claims tend to drive up rates.

This is also true for areas prone to natural disasters, such as wildfires. According to the Insurance Information Institute, New Mexico ranks among the top ten states at risk for wildfire damage to homes—and that risk extends to vehicles, especially those parked nearby. In 2022 alone, New Mexico saw over 800,000 acres burned, ranking second in the nation.[5] Carrying comprehensive coverage to protect your vehicle from fire or flooding may be the best choice when selecting your insurance, depending on your budget.

Auto insurance quotes in New Mexico's biggest cities

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City Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Las Cruces $935 $156
Roswell $1,027 $171
Santa Fe $1,035 $172
Rio Rancho $1,089 $182
Albuquerque $1,186 $198

Source: The Zebra


New Mexico auto insurance quotes after an accident or ticket

Finding affordable car insurance in New Mexico after an accident can be difficult. Insurance companies evaluate your past accidents and traffic violations to gauge the risk you pose as a customer. If you’re found at fault in an accident, your premiums could increase by as much as $864 per year.

Below, we provide a breakdown of what some of the top insurance companies in New Mexico might charge after an at-fault accident, helping you compare your options.

Best insurance companies in NM after an accident

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $896 $149
GEICO $1,141 $190
State Farm $1,385 $231
Progressive $1,466 $244
Farmers $1,764 $294
Nationwide $1,981 $330
Allstate $2,133 $356

Source: The Zebra

Zebra tip: Don't forget about claims satisfaction

While it's ideal to never need your insurance, a hassle-free claims experience is essential if you do. In our 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey, we reviewed the experiences of those who filed claims, and USAA stood out as the top performer, making it an excellent option for military members in New Mexico. For those who aren’t eligible for USAA, State Farm and Allstate also ranked highly for claims satisfaction, making them strong alternatives.[4]

In New Mexico, like most places, a bad driving record can really make your insurance rates skyrocket. If you get a ticket, expect your premiums to go up, but how much depends on the type of violation, your insurer, and local rules. That’s why tickets can affect your rates differently depending on where you live—a violation here might hit your wallet harder than in another state. So, driving carefully and avoiding those costly surprises is always a good idea!

Auto insurance rates by violation in New Mexico

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Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium $ Rate Increase
None $2,031 $0
One Med/PIP claim $2,053 $22
Not-at-fault accident $2,116 $85
One comp claim $2,127 $96
Two Med/PIP claims $2,153 $122
Two comp claims $2,213 $182
Failure to show documents $2,234 $203
Failure to wear a seat belt $2,244 $214
Child safety restraint $2,327 $296
Driving without lights $2,327 $296
In 65 MPH zone $2,403 $372
Texting while driving $2,417 $386
Cell phone violation $2,417 $386
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $2,418 $387
Driving with expired registration $2,419 $388
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $2,446 $415
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $2,446 $415
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $2,446 $415
Driving too slowly $2,456 $425
Failure to stop at a red light $2,456 $425
Following too closely $2,456 $425
Failure to yield $2,456 $425
Improper passing $2,456 $425
Wrong way/wrong lane $2,456 $425
Speeding in school zone $2,457 $426
Illegal turn $2,457 $426
Passing school bus $2,491 $460
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $2,528 $497
Operating a vehicle without permission $2,534 $503
Open container $2,817 $786
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $2,873 $842
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $2,895 $864
Reckless driving $3,753 $1,722
Driving with a suspended license $3,762 $1,731
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $3,810 $1,779
DUI $3,919 $1,888
Racing $4,002 $1,971
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $4,027 $1,996

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra's guide to New Mexico car insurance laws for high-risk drivers

Some violations, like a DUI or driving without insurance, can result in more serious and complex insurance consequences. To help you understand these situations better, we’ve provided more details about New Mexico's car insurance laws and regulations below. For further information on the state's insurance requirements, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to New Mexico car insurance.

New Mexico DUI laws

In New Mexico, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of 93%. That’s almost $1,900 dollars more per year than the state average. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.

 
Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in New Mexico

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in New Mexico, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in New Mexico, State Farm's annual rates are significantly less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI, coming in a full 57% lower. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in New Mexico is Progressive, while the priciest firm is Allstate, with prices 15% above average.

New Mexico car insurance quotes with a DUI

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
State Farm $845 $141
Progressive $1,144 $191
Farmers $1,191 $198
USAA $1,192 $199
Nationwide $1,297 $216
GEICO $1,425 $238
Allstate $1,693 $282

Source: The Zebra

No single car insurer consistently offers the most affordable rates for DUI-related insurance. The key to saving after a DUI citation is to shop around. You can compare and buy car insurance online or work with an insurance agent to explore your options and find a policy that fits your budget.

Learn more about car insurance and how DUI infractions impact rates.

 

 

New Mexico SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company to ensure that you remain insured. Most states require an SR-22, but New Mexico is one exception. The state of New Mexico does not require you to file an SR-22 in order to apply for insurance. 

If you move from a state that requires an SR-22 to a state that does not, you will typically still need to follow the requirements of the state that first required you to file an SR-22.


Cheap auto insurance for teens and young drivers in New Mexico

Young drivers, especially those between 16 and 25, face extremely high auto insurance rates, with teens aged 16-19 paying the highest premiums. Due to the increased risk associated with inexperienced drivers, teens often pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. This means teens can expect to pay over 100% more than drivers in their 20s and nearly 200% more than those in their 30s.

Luckily for those in New Mexico, teen drivers’ rates are nearly on par with the national average for their age group, coming in at $2,644 for a six-month policy or $441 per month. For more affordable options, GEICO and USAA tend to offer the best rates for teen drivers.

Cheapest car insurance quotes for young drivers in NM

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $1,784 $297
GEICO $1,825 $304
Nationwide $3,526 $588
Progressive $3,684 $614
State Farm $3,801 $634
Allstate $4,422 $737
Farmers $5,907 $985

Source: The Zebra

Top companies in New Mexico for Teens
Filter by:

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Farmers $7,834 $1,306
Allstate $5,321 $887
State Farm $5,045 $841
Progressive $4,922 $820
Nationwide $3,998 $666
USAA $2,652 $442
GEICO $2,229 $372

Source: The Zebra

Zebra tip: 3 ways young drivers can save on car insurance

  1. Take a Defensive Driving Course: Qualify for discounts and reduce accident risk.

  2. Choose a Safe, Affordable Car: Opt for a car with good safety ratings and low repair costs.

  3. Stay on a Parent's Policy: Save money and benefit from their insurance history.

Find an affordable policy in New Mexico in minutes!

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How have car insurance costs in New Mexico changed?

Car insurance costs in New Mexico have changed significantly over the past decade, highlighting a volatile market. In 2024, the average annual premium reached $2,030, an increase of $316 from the previous year. While this shows a general upward trend, rates have fluctuated, with increases and decreases occurring roughly every other year. These shifts reflect the impact of regulatory changes, economic conditions, and market forces on insurance pricing in New Mexico and across the country. How can you save despite rate fluctuations? Our best advice is to shop around, get quotes from multiple carriers, and don't be afraid to ask about discounts. 

 

Car insurance costs in New Mexico since 2015
Year Avg. Annual Premium Yearly Change
2024 $2,030 $316
2023 $1,714 $86
2022 $1,628 $253
2021 $1,375 $101
2020 $1,274 -$83
2019 $1,357 -$39
2018 $1,396 -$400
2017 $1,796 $234
2016 $1,562 -$323
2015 $1,885 $216

If your rates are increasing more quickly than the state average, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare quotes for a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison tool provides personalized quotes based on your profile. Just enter your ZIP code below to begin exploring your options.


New Mexico car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding New Mexico auto insurance.

For our average user profile, USAA ($103 per month) and GEICO ($120 per month) have the cheapest full coverage car insurance in New Mexico. For liability coverage, USAA and GEICO are also the cheapest options.

New Mexico requires a minimum coverage of 25/50/10, which means $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage per accident. Many drivers carry more coverage than this, however, as accidents can cost significantly more than the bare minimum coverage amount.

Car insurance typically follows the vehicle, not the driver. There may be some exceptions to this (such as with rental cars or medical coverage for non-owners), however, so it's best to check with your insurance company to clarify if you have questions about your policy.

Yes, New Mexico drivers must carry the minimum liability insurance. The state mandates that you carry the minimum coverage, which includes $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage per accident.

Save money on your next car insurance policy!

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Sources
  1. Data Methodology. The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool

  2. Anonymized User Surveys. The Zebra

  3. 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. J.D. Power

  4. 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey. The Zebra

  5. Facts + Statistics: Wildfires. Insurance Information Institute

Recent questions about insurance in New Mexico

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.